Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs 8550034

Tow your fifth wheel from a short-bed truck with confidence using the Demco Autoslide Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch (Part #8550034). With 18,000 lbs of capacity, an automatic 14" rack-and-pinion slider for tight-turn clearance, and a single-piece wraparound jaw for a rattle-free connection, this above-bed hitch turns short-bed fifth wheel towing from a stressful maneuver into a routine one. (Looking at other Demco fifth wheel hitches? See the 21K Autoslide above-bed (8550035), 21K Autoslide above-bed WITH rails (8550036), 18K UMS Under-Bed Autoslide (8550022), 21K UMS Under-Bed Autoslide (8550037), 21K Ford Prep Package Autoslide (8550038), or the 21K Underbox fixed mount for long-box trucks (8550033).)

Automatic Sliding for Tight Turns

The standout feature: a built-in automatic slider with 14" of fore/aft travel. As you turn, the rack-and-pinion gears smoothly move the hitch head — giving you 14" of extra clearance between your truck cab and trailer at slow speeds — and slide back toward the cab on their own as you straighten out. No getting out to pull a lever, no manual repositioning, no guesswork. Backing into campsites or tight parking lots becomes dramatically easier.

18,000 lb Capacity Built for Heavy Loads

The 8550034 is rated for serious work:

• 18,000 lb gross towing weight
• 4,500 lb vertical load limit

Heavy-duty steel construction and a rust-resistant black powder coat finish keep it performing tow after tow.

Locked-In Connection — Wraparound Jaw + 3/4" Locking Bar

The single-piece wraparound jaw completely surrounds the king pin for 360-degree contact, dramatically cutting down on rattle and trailer movement during travel. A solid 3/4" steel locking bar reinforces the jaw once it closes, adding another layer of security. The spring-loaded handle with a tethered safety pin secures the hitch in either the open or closed position, making coupling and uncoupling quick and predictable.

Smoother, Quieter Ride

The double-pivot head moves both front-to-back and side-to-side to match the angle of your trailer's pin box, and three polyurethane dampeners cushion those movements to absorb road shock and minimize the chucking noise that wears on you over a long travel day. The head also pivots automatically into the right position as soon as your king pin contacts the hitch — helping you line up faster.

Adjustable Hitch Height for Level Towing

Choose from three height settings — 16-1/2", 17-3/4", or 19-1/4" — to fine-tune trailer height for level towing and proper bed rail clearance under load.

Simple Setup with Industry-Standard Rails

The hitch installs on standard above-bed base rails using included pins for a solid fit. You can also bolt on side plates with multiple height positions to match your trailer's pin box setup. When you need to switch between towing and using your bed space, the head can be separated from the base for easier handling — the total weight is around 273–277 lbs.

⚠️ Important Compatibility Requirements

This hitch is NOT compatible with Sidewinder or Revolution king pins. Do not use any device that changes the pivot point of your trailer's king pin with this hitch.

If you have a cushioned pin box, locking plates (sold separately) are required for use with the following:

• Glide Ride
• Mor Ryde
• Trailair Tri Glide
• Trailair Flexair
• Rota Flex
• Lippert Road Armor
• 5th Airborne

Fitment

• Designed for 6-1/2' truck beds
• Fits standard pin boxes 12"–14" wide

Key Features

• Automatic rack-and-pinion slider — 14" of fore/aft travel for tight-turn clearance
• 18,000 lb GTW / 4,500 lb vertical load capacity
• Single-piece wraparound jaw with 3/4" steel locking bar
• Double-pivot head with 3 polyurethane dampeners
• Adjustable hitch height — 16-1/2", 17-3/4", 19-1/4"
• Designed for 6-1/2' truck beds
• Fits 12"–14" pin boxes
• Installs on industry-standard above-bed base rails
• Separable head and base for easier handling
• Rust-resistant black powder coat finish
• FREE freight shipping to the 48 states (freight items are not returnable)
• Backed by a 5-year limited warranty

Specifications

• Brand: Demco
• Part Number: 8550034
• Type: Autoslide Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch (single jaw, above bed)
• Capacity: 18,000 lb GTW / 4,500 lb vertical load
• Slider Travel: 14" front to back (automatic rack-and-pinion)
• Hitch Height Settings: 16-1/2" / 17-3/4" / 19-1/4"
• Jaw: Single-piece wraparound with 3/4" steel locking bar
• Pivot Head: Double pivot with 3 polyurethane dampeners
• Total Weight: ~273–277 lbs
• Truck Bed: Designed for 6-1/2' beds
• Pin Box Compatibility: 12"–14" standard pin boxes
• NOT Compatible With: Sidewinder or Revolution king pins; any pivot-changing devices
• Cushioned Pin Box Requirement: Locking plates (sold separately) required for Glide Ride, Mor Ryde, Trailair Tri Glide, Trailair Flexair, Rota Flex, Lippert Road Armor, 5th Airborne
• Material: Heavy-duty steel
• Finish: Black powder coat
• Installation: Industry-standard above-bed base rails (included pins)
• Warranty: 5-year limited